According to Mintel, 94% of Americans snack at least once a day, and this number is on the rise. Therefore, when you open your pantry and find a bag of chips, be cautious, as it is not good for your health.
It is essential to understand exactly what happens to your body when you continuously snack throughout the day, rather than just enjoying a treat or developing a healthy snacking habit.
Below are some negative impacts of unhealthy snacking all day on your body.
1. Higher Caloric Intake
By eating more food throughout the day, you will consume a higher number of calories. And by consuming more calories than your body actually needs, you are likely to gain weight.
However, this does not mean you have to give up snacking altogether. In fact, many nutrition experts say that enjoying a snack during the day is beneficial – especially during the long stretch between lunch and dinner. It is important to fuel your body when hungry, rather than mindlessly snacking on empty calories that do not satisfy your hunger.
Experts say that it is crucial to make your snacks a small balanced meal, as this is the only way to snack and lose weight.
2. Potential for Chronic Inflammation
Smartphone app data shows that we not only eat irregularly but also spend 16 hours a day in a state known as “being fed.” This state drives the activity of the immune system, as it triggers the production of short-term inflammatory responses.
Choose the right moments to enjoy one of your favorite snacks during the day so that you feel satisfied without constantly keeping your body in a “full” state all day long.
3. Risk of Weight Gain
Frequent snacking can lead to weight gain. (Photo: Shutterstock).
The higher daily caloric intake mentioned above quickly translates into more weight gain. Weight gain will be even faster if you consume many snacks or snacks high in protein. Research from BBC News shows that the average American is consuming approximately 600 more calories than in the 1970s. This significant increase is likely contributing to the widespread obesity crisis across America, according to Eat This, Not That!
Instead, the key to a healthy snack is to ensure you combine complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber. This will ensure that your snacks throughout the day are genuinely satisfying rather than leaving you feeling hungry and reaching for a bowl of chips.
Some straightforward examples of snacks that include these three essential nutrients are an apple with peanut butter, Greek yogurt with berries, hummus and carrots, or rice cakes with cheese slices.
4. Risk of Tooth Decay
Frequent eating throughout the day, while adhering to an average brushing schedule of once in the morning and once before bed, leaves plenty of time for bacteria from plaque to start breaking down your teeth.
The worst snack food culprits that feed this harmful bacteria are anything sugary or high in carbohydrates – chips, granola bars, candy…
The more you snack throughout the day without brushing your teeth immediately afterward, the more likely you are to develop cavities.
5. Increased Risk of Heart Disease
If you often snack on cookies, candy, chips, or crackers at snack time, you may increase your risk of heart disease. The reason is that these processed foods are low in nutritional value and high in refined sugars.
Instead, eliminate processed foods and seek out healthy options that are full of nutrients to keep you satisfied when snacking, according to Eat This, Not That!
6. May Prevent Overeating at Main Meals
One significant positive aspect of snacking throughout the day is that it can prevent overeating at main meals.
One (or two) snacks during the day, especially if they are healthy options, can help control your extreme hunger, according to Eat This, Not That!
